Thursday, August 16, 2012

Udacity CS222: Making Math Matter (Differential Equations in Action)


Along with the announcement that Udacity's Logic & Discrete Math offering would be cancelled, a new course on applied differential equations was announced. The course will be starting up on September 3, 2012, and taught by Jörn Loviscach with Miriam Swords Kalk, who I assume will be TA'ing and moderating the discussions.

Personally, I'm not sure how much time I will have to focus on this course. With a full 17-credit semester coming up, I may have to leave this course for around the end of the year when I will have more free time. I'm definitely looking forward to it, but more important courses must be focused on first.

The prerequisites (more recommendations than requirements) list knowledge of basic computer programming, calculus, and physics. You could tackle the programming and physics requirements via Udacity's CS101 and PH101 classes, while Khan Academy will help you shore up the Calculus. More information from Udacity's course page below:

Syllabus


  • Unit 1: Rescuing Apollo 13, Part 1 

  • Introduction to the Forward Euler Method 
  • Unit 2: Rescuing Apollo 13, Part 2 

  • Comparing solvers, Heun’s Method and Symplectic Euler Method 
  • Unit 3: Analyzing the Spread of Diseases 

  • Implicit methods and stiffness 
  • Unit 4: There’s Plenty of Fish in the Sea 

  • Stability, sensitivity, and optimization 
  • Unit 5: Antilock Brake Systems

  • Friction, equilibria, and control theory 
  • Unit 6: The Path of a Forest Fire 

  • Partial differential equations and heat conduction 
  • Unit 7: Advanced Applications of Numerical Methods 

  • Chaos, software, and predictive capability 

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